Claudio Mascarenhas, bass-baritone, was born in Rio de Janeiro, where he made his operatic debut as Masetto (Don Giovanni) with the Brazilian Conservatory of Music. He followed as Mandarino (Turandot), where he was called "a great new voice of Brazil."

Upon moving to Europe in 1997, Claudio was the recipient of the Danish Free Education grant, which took him to Italy. He subsequently received a grant from the Queen Margarethe and Prince Henry Fund and an Opera Ebony Fellowship, bringing him to his present home of New York.

Claudio frequently performs in the USA, Europe and in his home country of Brazil. Recent engagements include the role of Scarpia (Tosca) with OperaLancaster, two solo concerts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in conjunction with the prestigious Brazilian classical music program, "Musica no Museu" (Music in the Museum), and a solo concert at the Teatro Armando Gonzaga (FUNARJ), sparking a growing interest in bringing classical music to the Brazilian population. 

He has been lauded as a “powerful voice and a powerful presence” for his portrayal of Zuniga (Carmen) with Regina Opera, a role also performed with One World Symphony. He also received praise in The Italian Review for his performance as Belcore (L'Elisir d'Amore) with Regina Opera. Other engagements include the role of Scarpia (Tosca) with the Opera Company of Brooklyn, and Sam (Un Ballo in Maschera) with Martina Arroyo's Prelude to a Performance.

Also a noted actor, Claudio’s multiple credits include the short film "La e Ca," the award-winning “Como Ser Solteiro" and the role of Sagat in the YT-nominated web series, "Street Fighter: The Later Years."  

Claudio currently studies under David Jones and Audrey St. Gil in New York City.